Tsunamis

TSUNAMIS

The phenomenon we call a "tsunami" is a series of traveling ocean waves of extremely long length and period, generated by major earthquakes beneath the ocean floor, volcanic eruptions or major landslides into the ocean.

As the tsunami crosses the deep ocean, its length from crest to crest may be 124 miles or more and its period 15 minutes to an hour, but its height from trough to crest may only be a few inches, even for a very destructive tsunami, it cannot be felt aboard ships in deep water. As the tsunami enters shallow water near coastlines in its path, the velocity of its waves decreases and its wave height increases.

It is in these shallow waters that tsunamis become a threat to life and property because they can crest to heights of more than 30 feet, strike with devastating force, and flood low-lying coastal areas. There are records of tsunamis reaching heights of more than 100 feet.Click here to download Emergency Action Guide

NOTIFICATIONS Tsunamis may strike in a matter of minutes (following a local earthquake) or within hours, depending on how far the epicenter is from Okinawa.

Warnings and notifications will be passed promptly by one or more of the following means:

- The 18th Wing command post- American Forces Network (AFN) television and radio announcements- The Kadena Web page www.kadena.af.mil- The Kadena commander's access channel- On base siren system: a long steady tone followed by a warning message.- Cell phone messages.

To be safe, throughout the event of a tsunami, listen carefully to TV or radio reports. More current tsunami information can be found at the National Weather Service's Pacific Tsunami Warning Center Web site at www.prh.noaa.gov/ptwc.

Don't go back to low-lying areas until the watch or warning expires or is cancelled!

TSUNAMI SAFETY RULES1. All earthquakes do not cause tsunamis, but many do. When you hear that an earthquake has occurred, tune into AFN radio or TV for a tsunami emergency message.

2. An earthquake in your area is a natural tsunami warning. If you are at the beach and feel violent shaking (enough to knock you off-balance) wait for it to stop, and then move quickly to higher ground. If a tsunami is generated, it will arrive in a few minutes. Do not stay in low-lying coastal areas after a strong earthquake has been felt.

3. A tsunami is not a single wave, but a series of waves. Stay out of danger areas until an "all-clear" is issued by a competent authority.

4. Approaching tsunamis are sometimes preceded by a noticeable rise or fall of coastal water. This is nature's tsunami warning and should be heeded.

5. A small tsunami at one point on the shore can be extremely large a few miles away. Don't let the modest size of one make you lose respect for all.

6. All warning to the public must be taken very seriously, even if some are for non-destructive events. The tsunami of May, 1960 killed 61 people in Hilo, Hawaii, because some thought it was just another false alarm.

7. All tsunamis, like typhoons, are potentially dangerous, though they may not damage every coastline they strike.

8. Never go down to the shore to watch for a tsunami. When you can see the wave, you are too close to escape it. Never try to surf a tsunami; most tsunamis are like a flash flood full of debris and they do not curl or break like surging waves.

9. Sooner or later, tsunamis visit every coastline in the Pacific. Warnings apply to you if you live in any Pacific coastal area.

10. During a tsunami emergency, your local police and on-base officials will try to save your life. Give them your fullest cooperation.

HOUSING AREAS IN TSUNAMIS FLOOD ZONES

On-base housing: The following housing areas may be potentially impacted by a tsunami

· Kinser Towers: Residents should evacuate the lower 4 floors of the tower by either seeking refuge in the 5th floor or higher or going to higher ground on Camp Kinser.

· Old Lester Housing: Residents should seek refuge in their 2nd floor or relocate to New Lester Housing and wait for further instructions

Off base housing: Off base housing residents need to review the drawings on pages 11-21 of the Emergency Action Guide to determine if their unit is in the tsunami flood plain.

Residents should determine their best course of action and prepare an evacuation plan. If you live in a two or more story unit, seek immediate refuge on the highest floor. If you have time to evacuate, go to your nearest military installation or seek the highest ground in your immediate area that is out of the tsunami flood plain.

Off base residents who live in the tsunami flood plain are responsible for providing contact information to their unit for notification and recall purposes. If your home was damaged to the extent that you need temporary shelter, then proceed to the nearest on-base shelter once the tsunami has subsided.

For guidance on appropriate shelters to evacuate to, refer to the Evacuating from Off-Base Quarters to On-Base Shelters on page 29 of the Emergency Action Guide.

(Current as of May 2017)

Emergency faqs

How many military 911 Emergency Dispatch Centers are located on Okinawa?There are two 911 Emergency Dispatch Centers on Okinawa for all military installations. One is located on Kadena AB and the other on Camp Foster.

How do I dial 911 if I live on base?If you reside on base, dial 911 for emergencies as if you are in the United States. The phone service provider will automatically connect you to the appropriate 911 dispatch center.
How do I dial 911 from my cellular phone?There are two numbers being advertised for all military installations. Please store these numbers in your cellular phone and in your home. If you commute to multiple installations including Kadena, save both and use which one is more appropriate to your current location.

What if I live off base and require emergency services?If you live off base, we recommend that you contact the local Japanese dispatch center by pressing 119 on your cellular phone. The local Japanese dispatch center will also contact the military dispatch center for assistance.

How do I give the Japanese 911 dispatcher my location?If you live off base, the local Japanese dispatch center recommends that you write your house number down. This number allows them to find your location much like a street address in the United States. Another important piece of information for dispatchers is landmarks and well known businesses to aide in giving directions.
What if I have magic jack or Vonage? Can I still call 911?Yes, if you are able to dial the country of Japan commercially you can make a 911 call. The number is 011-81-611-734-9445.